St. Louis, MO: February 28, 2018 - Air Choice One, a St. Louis based regional airline, has added a new route from Jackson, TN to Atlanta, GA. Tickets are now on sale, and the airline will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 1, at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport to commemorate the first flight which will take place that same day. Officials from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, local leaders, and representatives from the Jackson/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau will join the celebration.

Previous to adding Atlanta as a destination, Air Choice One successfully flew to St. Louis Lambert International Airport from Jackson’s McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will provide Jackson residents with further access to both national and international travel.

“We have been honored to provide air service to the Jackson Community since 2015," said Shane Storz, CEO of Air Choice One. “We looked for the best way to enhance our service, and realized that expanding Jackson’s access to new markets through air travel would make the most significant impact. Atlanta was chosen for many reasons, as we saw the possibilities it would provide to connect business and leisure travelers with virtually any destination in the world."

The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, TN. In celebration of the new route being opened, Air Choice One will be providing refreshments and have a giveaway for tickets. For those looking to fly to Atlanta, they can already book a flight on Air Choice One’s website, for flights starting after the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 1st.

About Air Choice One

Based in St. Louis, MO, Air Choice One was launched as a scheduled airline serving to hard-to-reach communities, and supports their economic development by increasing business productivity while enhancing the travel experience for business and leisure travelers alike. Air Choice One markets enjoy the benefits of efficient, scheduled airline service into larger cities, like St. Louis, Chicago and Minneapolis packaged in a "First-Class" service and seating format. Air Choice One's goal is to deliver the highest quality and reliability in scheduled commercial air service.

SWTRC College Success Lead Advisor Michael Jones

Jackson Chamber announces Michael Jones as college success lead advisor for the Southwest Tennessee Reconnect program and the promotion of Tina Shreeve to Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Director. As part of Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55 programs, this program helps adults return to college to attain their degree. The offices for Southwest Tennessee Reconnect are located inside the Jackson Chamber at 197 Auditorium Street.

“Taking on the responsibility for advising adults as they discover, dream, and design a plan with regard to their future in postsecondary education is a rewarding experience,” says Jones.“ Tennessee Reconnect will change lives while fostering an awesome opportunity for so many higher education institutions, businesses, community organizations, civic leaders, and families to form lasting relationships.”

The mission of Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Community (SWTRC) is to reach out to and support adults locally to re-enroll and complete a postsecondary credential. Services provided to prospective adult learners will include advising, career counseling and scholarship resources. SWTRC will also act as a connecting point for local employers, local institutions of higher education and prospective adult learners, working to create awareness of the benefits of adult completion as a strategy for economic development and a source for workforce talent.

SWTRC Director Tina Shreeve

“There has never been a better time for adults in Tennessee to begin or finish their education beyond high school, and there is no other state that is doing what we’re doing,” said Tina Shreeve, Southwest Tennessee Reconnect Director. “The investment that we are making to allow tuition-free access to high quality education for adults will ensure that our community is workforce-ready. Michael will be a valuable asset as he works with adults to help them navigate their postsecondary journey.”

Michael is currently conducting his work for an educational doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education at Union University. Prior to beginning his work with Southwest Tennessee Reconnect, he served as special projects coordinator for Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson. He has almost 20 years of secondary and higher education experience.

Michael has three great joys in his life - Joshua Michael, 14; Elaina Simone, 12; and Dana Elizabeth, 9. In his free time, he enjoys being outside, watching movies, listening to music, and spending time with his friends and family. He is committed to helping students chart and navigate their educational and professional paths.

Connect by emailing Michael Jones or calling 731-234-0097. Connect by emailing Tina Shreeve or call 731-422-9151.

LyondellBasell in Jackson, Tennessee.

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), the operator of the Jackson Plant in Jackson, TN, has been named to Fortune Magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” for 2018. This is a first-time achievement for LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies.

“The idea that our local contributions in Jackson can contribute to this prestigious recognition, which places us among some of the most well-known and well-regarded companies in the world, is humbling,” said Rebecca White, the manager of LyondellBasell’s Jackson Plant.

LyondellBasell CEO Bob Patel noted, “This recognition can be 100 percent attributed to our teams in Jackson, and around the world who are setting the benchmark for excellence in the chemical industry every single day. They are humble, hungry and focused on delivering on the promise of being the best operated, most valued company in our industry.”

The list, which is voted on by industry peers, including executives, directors and financial analysts, sought feedback on the company’s performance in nine key areas – the ability to attract and retain talent, the quality of management, social responsibility, innovation, quality of products and services, use of corporate assets, financial soundness, long-term investment value and global competitiveness.

About LyondellBasell’s Jackson Plant The Jackson PP Compound Plant covers approximately 26 acres, contains a 127,000 square foot building, a rail spur, container yard, and employs 106 people. The Jackson plant combines polypropylene resin with other materials to enhance the physical properties and prepare them for specific customer applications, such as parts for interior and exterior automotive applications and home appliances.

About LyondellBasell LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world. Driven by its 13,000 employees around the globe, LyondellBasell produces materials and products that are key to advancing solutions to modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, protecting the purity of water supplies through stronger and more versatile pipes, and improving the safety, comfort and fuel efficiency of many of the cars and trucks on the road. LyondellBasell sells products into approximately 100 countries and is the world's largest licensor of polyolefin technologies. In 2018, LyondellBasell was named to Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” More information about LyondellBasell can be found at LyondellBasell.com

Last year's scholarship recipients, from left, were Katelyn Murphy, Naomi Dalton and Aaron Williamson pictured with Judy Renshaw.

The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) is requesting applications for the annual scholarship offered to high school seniors attending college in the fall of 2018. The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship, funded by the Association, will amount to at least $1,000 and as much as $2,000, payable to the college or university during the student’s freshman year.

“Increasing the number of college graduates in Madison County is one of our Board’s top priorities,” said Dr. Beverly Absher-Bone, LJAA President. “We know that a higher level of education contributes to improved health and well-being for that individual and their family; however, research also shows that it is the primary factor in improving community and economic development. Knowing we can make a difference for both the student and our community by opening the door to a college education makes all of our efforts worthwhile.”

The scholarship will be funded through a portion of the annual dues paid by each member of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. Other projects funded by Leadership Jackson Alumni dues include quarterly alumni luncheons, professional development programs and “Comfort Critters,” which are stuffed animals used by emergency first responders in Jackson.

"We appreciate the organizations and individuals who contribute to provide additional funding for the scholarships,” said Absher-Bone. “We invite all chamber members and Leadership Jackson alumni to make tax-deductible gifts to the chamber's foundation for the scholarship. The more funds we have in-hand, the more young people we can impact through scholarships.”

The scholarship application, which is available at LeadershipJackson.com, must be filled out completely and submitted with all requested supporting documents, including recommendations from two non-family members; a typed student essay; a current FAFSA report; and a resume or other document describing academic accomplishments and honors, extracurricular activities, and community service during grades 9-12. The application must be received by March 31 of the student’s senior year of high school.

Leadership University, a youth leadership development program for high school juniors from Jackson-Madison County, is accepting applications for its 2018-2019 program now through Friday, March 23.

Leadership University is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors from Jackson-Madison County that demonstrates leadership potential. Leadership University prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders that make a positive difference in others, as well as their community by creates awareness in all aspects of the community.

Lane College, Union University, Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus are sponsors for Leadership University. These sponsorships make it possible for the program to be offered to participants at no cost, but to pay it forward to the community. Students participate in community service monthly during the program with local social service agencies.

Application deadline is March 23, 2018.

For more information about Leadership University please email Brandy Stutsman or call 731-423-2200.

To learn more about Leadership University, visit its Facebook page or see their latest video on the Jackson Chamber’s website under Leadership University or on the Jackson Chamber’s YouTube page.

Shirley Jones Day was proclaimed by Jackson CIty Mayor Jerry Gist on February 6, 2018. From left, Mayor Gist and Jones with her proclamation. She also received a key to the city.

Jackson Chamber announces the official retirement of Shirley Jones, senior vice president of Public Affairs, on February 28, 2018. Jones began her service to the chamber as a volunteer upon her graduation from Leadership Jackson, the chamber’s leadership program and joined the Jackson Chamber staff as member in 1994. Her service with the chamber totals 36 years.

Jones’ main area of responsibility has been to advocate for chamber members and the business community with elected officials on the local, state and federal levels, and to monitor legislation on all levels as it affects the business community. In addition, she has been responsible for overseeing the activities of the board of directors, and coordinating all the individual member events, such as ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and groundbreakings with the Ambassador group.

Jackson Chamber's Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Shirley Jones.

Jones has also been involved in education prominently in her career. She was engaged in Partners in Education from 1983 to 2016, first as its coordinator for her previous employer, then as the founding chairperson of the Jackson Chamber’s PIE Advisory council as a volunteer, and finally as an employee of the chamber. She served as a local co-chair of the Jackson-Madison County Education Edge (School-to-Work) program, and served on the State of Tennessee Education Edge Steering committee. She was instrumental in developing the Factory in the Factory program in Madison County, which offered summer externships for teachers and school counselors in local businesses and industries.

“Shirley has been a central and consistent figure of the Jackson Chamber’s success during her career as a part of our staff,” says Kyle Spurgeon, president and CEO, Jackson Chamber. “She will leave a legacy of strong relationships at the national, state, and local level. Our entire team at the chamber wishes her the best.”

“Shirley’s leadership has had a great impact on this community,” says Jim Ferrell, chairman, Jackson Chamber Board of Directors. “Her many years of service with the business community, government and education will touch the lives of many for years to come.”

Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry President/CEO, Bradley Jackson, presents Shirley Jones with the Tennessee Champion of Commerce award for outstanding lifetime achievement promoting business and free enterprise.

Jones’ professional achievements include: graduate of US Chamber Institute for Organization Management; instructor for Governmental Affairs and Working with Volunteers sessions at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Institute each March; recognized by the US Chamber and Tennessee Chamber for excellence in governmental affairs; third ever recipient of the Tennessee Champion of Commerce Award for outstanding lifetime achievement promoting business and free enterprise, presented by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and given for outstanding service on the state level regarding advocacy for businesses and business issues; received the Jackson-Madison County Education Association Friend of Education Award in 1999; has had her own day declared twice – once on February 10, 2000, Shirley Jones Day was declared by both city and county mayors for all her contributions to the PIE program and education in Jackson-Madison County; and February 6, 2018 was declared Shirley Jones day in the City of Jackson recognizing her career accomplishments.

Shirley’s community involvement outside of work includes the Ayers Children Medical Center Advisory Board, Old Hickory Rotary Club, Rotary District 6760 Global Grant Scholarship Chairman and Assistant Governor Coordinator. She is also a facilitator for Rotary Leadership Institute. “I have loved every part of my job with the Jackson Chamber,” says Jones. “It has been an honor to work with so many wonderful people in education, governmental affairs and the Ambassador program – and our exceptional businesses here. Jackson is a wonderful community, and I am blessed to have been able to be a part of working with the Jackson Chamber.”

Ryan Porter, chief operating officer and general counsel, Jackson Chamber, will manage Public Affairs. Alexis Long, manager of member engagement will handle the responsibilities associated with the Ambassadors group.

A come and go retirement party will be held in her honor on February 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Jackson Chamber, 197 Auditorium Street. All are invited to attend.

For more information, email Julie Daniels or call 731-423-2200.

Immediate Past Chairman, Ben Ferguson passes the gavel to 2018 Chairman Jim Ferrell.